Any business that is dedicated to sustainability should consider showcasing its efforts with a sustainability report. According to Global Reporting Initiative, “A sustainability report is a report published by a company or organization about the economic, environmental and social impacts caused by its everyday activities. A sustainability report also presents the organization’s values and governance model, and demonstrates the link between its strategy and its commitment to a sustainable global economy.”
By having a sustainability report, you can show your customers the impact your business has on the environment. Transparency is the key to good customer relationships, and having a sustainability report available is just another way to prove to your customers how dedicated you are to a sustainable business objective. Keep these tips in mind when you decide to compose your sustainability report:
Don’t Bite Off More than You Can Chew
When it comes to sustainability reports, start small. Trying to compile every detail all at once can be too large of an undertaking. In consequence, you may decide to drop the project altogether. You can avoid this frustration by taking things slowly. Start your report by thinking about your biggest contribution (maybe your whole company is paperless), and then by thinking about the area you need the most improvement (such as if you ship products with excessive packaging). Whatever it may be, don’t bite off more than you can chew when you start the process.
Assign the Data Collection to the Right Person
Is the right person to gather the data you or some of your employees? Or, is it best to hire a third party to handle the data collection? Either way, after you’re done considering the big picture of your sustainability efforts, it’s time to assign the job to the right team. Pick a motivated team with a passion for numbers to get the best results.
Promote It
Once your report is developed, don’t forget to promote it! By showing the world what you’re made of, you not only give your business great exposure, but you also may motivate other companies to take a look at their own sustainability efforts.
Craving more sustainability in your company? Learn how to create a sustainable device plan for more great sustainable business tips.
Posted in: Sustainability
